ASU’s Magee on Territorial Cup: ‘It’s going to be a good one’

Arizona State senior linebacker Brandon Magee did not play in last year’s Territorial Cup.

Out with a ruptured Achilles tendon, the captain was forced to sit on the sidelines and watch while his team lost a fourth quarter lead and, eventually, the game.

Needless to say, the Devils’ leading tackler said he’s looking forward to Friday’s matchup.

“When you play against top [offensive] talent you get a chance to go out there and also show your stuff, and as a defense we’re very excited to face them,” Magee told Arizona Sports 620’s Doug and Wolf Wednesday. “What a better opponent than facing UofA.

“We’re up for the challenge and it’s going to be a very exciting game.”

The Wildcats enter the game with a 7-4 (4-4) record, while the Sun Devils are 6-5 (4-4). Arizona has one of the best offenses in the country, while Arizona State’s defense can make a similar claim about themselves.

It’s up to Magee and his side of the ball to slow the Wildcats’ attack, and that starts with running back Ka’Deem Carey.

“I’ll say the best running back I’ve seen in the Pac-12 in a few years, honestly,” Magee said of Carey. Arizona’s sophomore leads the nation with 1,585 yards rushing to go along with 19 touchdowns, and has caught 32 passes for 289 yards and one score.